Loyola celebrates life of former Trustee John Paterakis, Sr.

October 17, 2016 | By Nick AlexopulosJohn Paterakis, Sr.

Over a career that began seven decades ago, John Paterakis, Sr., built an unprecedented bakery empire and developed now-thriving properties that changed the skyline of downtown Baltimore. The 87-year-old died in his hometown on Oct. 16 from complications of an illness.

Paterakis twice served on Loyola University Maryland’s Board of Trustees and was a generous benefactor of various Loyola campaigns and initiatives.

“Mr. Paterakis has been a long-time friend of Loyola University Maryland,” said Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., president of Loyola. “As we celebrate his life in our community and extend our deep sympathy to his family, we remain grateful for his leadership at Loyola at key moments in its history and for his commitment to the city of Baltimore.”

Paterakis was chairman and president of H&S Bakery, the family business Paterakis assumed after his father’s death in 1952. The bakery grew under his leadership to become one of the largest on the East Coast and a trusted supplier of bread and rolls for major national food brands, including McDonald’s. H&S Bakery remains headquartered in Baltimore with 14 divisions operating in seven states, and distribution in more than 20.

As a developer, Paterakis built the anchor residential and commercial properties in Baltimore’s Harbor East. Today the area is home to marquee hotels, corporate offices, luxury living spaces, and numerous options for dining and entertainment.

Paterakis served on Loyola’s Board from 1991-97 and 2003-11. He was named Business Leader of the Year in 2002 and received an honorary degree in 1990.

His son John Paterakis, Jr., is a 1979 graduate of Loyola. His daughter Karen Paterakis Philippou, ’90, currently serves on Loyola’s Board of Trustees and was inducted into Loyola’s Athletics Hall of Fame earlier this year. Her husband, George Philippou, graduated from Loyola in 1989. Jason Smith, ’08, a grandson of the late Paterakis, is married to Maura Smith, ’09.